Introducing new Perennials & Care Tips for Our Yearly Returns!

Little nodding snowdrops and brilliant crocus are the bravest little plants in the garden. Those snowdrops have been doing their thing since over a month through all the miserable weather of spring – never giving up. I wanna be like a snowdrop and never give up! Of course, hats off to the crocus family who show up saluting the sun heralding the spring. Woo-hoo – we garden again!!

Perennials?? Oh, yes – it’s the time when we wander around the garden to see who is poking their head through; say a sad goodbye to those who did not make it and plan for the new invitees for this year. Which brings me to introduce you to some of our exciting new perennial offerings for this year…

Allium Millenium – A new kid on the block with a beautiful habit and 2” rosy purple clusters in August and September. Great for butterflies and bees plus it is the 2018 Perennial Plant of the Year (plus it is that beautiful ultra-violet purple “Pantone” color of the year).

Tradescantia ‘Concord Grape’ – Last year was the first introduction to tradescantia and I love, love, loved it! Continuous blooming all year, good for damp spots and such a pretty plant. (We also have a couple of other colors).

Crocosmia Lucifer (aka Montbrettia) – I came across this plant years ago and have it in my own garden. Without a doubt, it is one of my favs. Looks great all the time with the strappy foliage and is simply stunning when in bloom not to mention it is a hummingbird magnet. It comes from corms (little ”bulbs”and will reward you with years of enjoyment. It is a naturalized wild flower in Ireland – must be beautiful to see.

While my mind races around all the gardening chores that I want to do, I will pass out some hints and learnings from me to you – hopefully some of it will be helpful as you do your spring work in your own garden!

Now is the timeto prune those leftover perennial stems to the ground (daylilies, astilbe, foxglove, etc.). Do a good cleanup of the old leaves and debris around the base of the plants. Cut back woody perennials by one-third to one-half which will promote new growth.

If you want to transplant perennials, make sure that the ground is moist around them for at least one week. Water the plant on the day before you move them. Cool and cloudy (not a problem here!!) days are best to divide/move perennials. Leave as much soil on the plant as you can. Put some compost in the bottom of the new hole, mix it in well. Replant at the same depth as they were originally. Don’t fertilize until the new growth starts. Mulch with compost or leaf mold. If you can’t get the plants into the ground the same day that they are dug, cover them with some cloth and keep them in a cool, shady spot. Good luck!!

Don’t forget that we always put our perennials on special for the month of May: buy 3, get one free. Take advantage early for the best selection and quality.

Regarding pruning roses: climbers should be shortened by one-third; rambling roses flower on old wood so don’t prune until after flowering – you should cut out about one-third of the old canes; shrub roses need to have dead wood and old shoots removed and when the buds swell, prune directly above an outward facing bud.

Okay that’s enough for now – I gotta get to the garden!! See you soon at The Bayside!